JDMD:
What's up bud? I, too, are aiming to specialize in OMFS upon my graduation in 2006. However, now as a D2, I'm not in position to evaluate what your numbers can or can not get you into OMS residencies.
BUT....
What I CAN share with you is what OMS directors have shared with me since the beginning of my dental education. Now after you read what they have shared with me and what they look for in their applicants, I feel strongly that you'll get a sense of where you stand in the applicant pool.
Even with that said, you never know, I'd say you apply and let us know!
Here it goes:
1) University of Maryland - OMS/MD - Dr. Blanchaert
3.5 or greater
90 or better on NBDE Part I (95 is best)
top 10% of class - in small class size (<50) best to be #1 or #2
Work closely with faculty on anything - that makes them a good judge of your character, work ethic and stability - all great things to include in a letter of recommendation.
Most of all learn general dentistry as a priority - these others are just plusses.
2) University of Miami - OMS/MD (optional) - Eric R. Carlson, DMD, MD
Your enthusiasm is appreciated. I wish every applicant to our
program would be similarly interested in proper preparation. My basic criteria for offering an interview to the program include excellent grades, part I board scores of at least 90% ( preferably > 95%), and excellent letters of recommendation. Aside from these, I would recommend research activities according to your interests. Best wishes.
3) Long Island Jewish Medical Center - OMS/MD - Dr. Ruggiero
My advice to you is to do well in dental school and the boards. We also look very closely at your performance in college. I would be sure to complete Oral surgery exterships in the third year.
good luck
4) University of Minnesota - OMS - Dr. Swift
It is good to see that you are interested in OMS. It is a truly
rewarding and interesting profession.
Many programs look at NDBE and GPA as a screening mechanism to determine if you have the intellectual skills to perform well as a resident. As a general rule, you should look at the 90th percentile on NDBEs as a benchmark on both Part I and II. I do know that some programs use that mark as a minimum for acceptance into medical school. I think it is arbitrarily determined however.
We do keep data on residents applying to our program. We generally have 100 applications for our 3 positions. Realize that does not mean that only 3 of those 100 will train in OMS. Most candidates apply for about 10-20 programs. There are just under 2 qualified applicants per position in the US.
The dental school GPAs of our interviewees last year was 3.76 on a 4 point scale. The NDBE Part I score was 92%. The Part II score was 85%. 4% of our interviewees were female.
As far as research is concerned, I would suggest that you get started early with aspirations of presenting at the AAOMS annual meeting (deadline is April 1 for astracts for its fall meeting) and/or the AADR/IADR meeting held in March of each year with abstract deadline in the fall. The research experience will be looked upon with great favor.
Lastly, get to know the OMS faculty at Nova. Look for opportunities to do externships outside at other programs, generally offered in the summer.
If you have other questions, please contact me.
5) University of Connecticut Health Center - OMS/MD - Dr. Shafer
Basic things to keep in mind. A part I Board score average over 90 is good. Even better if it is over 92 especially in biochem, micro and path. Research and a good recommendation from a mentor is also helpful. Do some externships at good programs. At least one and two is better. Class rank in the top 10% is also good. MD programs will look more closely at your Board scores and your undergraduate grades. Your undergraduate grades should be above a 3.4 from a good school for MD programs.
6) University of Michigan - OMS/MD - Dr. Helman
Thanks for your email. I am impressed with your early determination of your post-graduate education. In general at the University of Michigan we interview candidates with a GPA above 3.75 and more than 90 in the National Boards (while most of the time our residents achieve a score above 95).
It is very relevant for an OMS to have a team work approach, high moral standard, unlimited dedication to patient care and compassion to the patient's needs.
Research experience is valuable, especially at our institution since we have a commitment to academic surgery. If you have any additional questions, please feel free to contact our coordinator of our residency program and assistant to the Program Director, Mrs. Linda Trese (who I copied on my response to you).
7) University of Illinois Chicago - OMS/MD - Dr. Meer, DDS, MS
Thank you for your recent correspondence. It is indeed competitive applying to OMFS programs, whether they are MD programs or not. We receive 150-200 applications per year. Many programs will have internal requirements for applicants to make the first "cut." This usually means that an assistant will review the applications for GPA, board scores, and class rank.
Applications that do not meet the minimum requirements generally go no further. The rest are then more thoroughly reviewed, and the most qualified applicants receive interview invitations. While this does not occur in our program (all of our applications are reviewed completely), this is the norm for many programs around the country.
As for GPA, class rank, and board scores, obviously the higher the better. Many programs will insist on a minimum of 90 on the boards, and the upper 10-20% in class rank. While research is not required, it is always a plus. Extracurricular activities are an added dimension for review as well as experience - working for an oral surgeon and externships. The application pool usually consists of highly qualified individuals, so anything that would stand out to make an applicant appear unique would help.
I hope that this information helps.
8) University of North Carolina - MD/OMS - Dr. Zuniga
Thank you for your message and expressed interest in the OMS program at UNC. We current have 1 position a year available for the integrated MD/OMS program at UNC. This positioned is competetively offered through the PASS/MATCH program. The candidates usually are profiled in the following ways:
top 10-15% of class rank
National Board scores>90
GPA >3.5
outstanding letters of rec from OMS clinicians and academicians reserch experience
I hope that helps, we look forward to your applications for 06.
9) Louisiana State University Health Science Center - OMS/MD - Dr. Block
At our institution, we desire rank in the top ten (single digits)
and boards over 90. Then we look at research and other leadership participation, and evidence of overachieving, poise and maturity. Your rank needs to go up. Keep up the hard work. Good luck. After you get to single digits rank and over 90, you should do a one month or 3 week externship in OMS during the time between your 3rd and 4th years.
Oh, I think that's enough directions and advice, huh? As you can see, it's a pretty competitive process. I like how Dr. Meer from Illinois had put it that some OMS programs screen their applicants solely on their numbers. If you don't have it, they don't even see your application!
Keep in mind, there are students out there that matched OMS residencies with a 3.2 GPA, ranked 28th in their class, and only 85 on NBDE Part I, but if I had those stats, I would be discouraged. It's a competitive applicant pool out there!
Apply and let us know!
Question: Are these emails great info or what?!
